The Ukrainian side has noted another wave of manipulations regarding certain cooperation programs in the field of biosafety and public health in Ukraine.

We once again reject these groundless accusations and emphasize that Ukraine consistently fulfills its international obligations under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC). The Ukrainian side has never engaged in any activities related to the development, production, or stockpiling of biological weapons.

For many years, cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the field of biosafety has been aimed exclusively at strengthening the capabilities of the public health system, epidemiological surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, biosafety, and biosecurity. This refers to ordinary civilian activities that comply with international public health standards and practices, and are entirely unrelated to any military objectives.

The laboratory facilities involved in the relevant international technical assistance programs are diagnostic, scientific, or reference laboratories within the public health system, veterinary medicine, or other scientific institutions.

The narrative of alleged "laboratories for the development of biological weapons" is not new—Russia has used it in its propaganda for many years. At the same time, all Russian accusations have been repeatedly debunked at the international level.

For instance, in 2022, at the request of the Russian Federation under Article V of the BWC, an official consultative process was held with the participation of the States Parties to the Convention. During this process, all data regarding the relevant cooperation programs, their objectives, and implementation mechanisms were provided. 

As a result of the consultations, the allegations regarding the supposed development of biological weapons or the operation of military biological programs in Ukraine found no confirmation whatsoever. 

The relevant issues were also considered within the UN Security Council, where no evidence was presented to support the claims made by the Russian Federation.

In December 2023, Ukraine officially reaffirmed its position at the meeting of the States Parties to the BWC, emphasizing that the 2022 consultative process had comprehensively addressed these allegations, and that Ukraine's cooperation with international partners in the field of public health fully complies with the provisions of the Convention.

Ukraine remains committed to the principles of transparency, international cooperation, and strengthening the global biosafety system. We call for reliance on the outcomes of international consultations and verified facts, rather than on distorted interpretations or Russian propaganda.